Stronger together

As the country starts to edge back to some sort of normality, I’ve been reflecting on what’s been a desperately bleak period for so many. But even in times of crisis there are always silver linings.

During the first lockdown, I was heartened to see our subscriber figures grow, but I was even more delighted by the number of long-time readers who got in touch to say how much they’d been enjoying Shooting Times while being stuck at home. One retired headkeeper told me it made him feel connected to a world he had always loved.

These various happy conversations confirmed my belief that Shooting Times is a community rather than a magazine and from this issue, that community has grown. Earlier this year, we took on Sporting Rifle magazine, which means we are going to be running even more features than ever before, from stalking stories to our new series on deer tracking dogs.

In due course, whether it’s at a shoot day, on a riverbank or over a pint at the Game Fair, I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible. By then, the way things are going, we might even be able to shake hands. Patrick Galbraith, Editor

Follow Patrick on Twitter @paddycgalbraith